Bolton Wanderers bans commercial deals with gambling firms
League One club clarifies stance on gambling as it removes retail betting kiosks at the University of Bolton Stadium
Bolton Wanderers has pledged to cut out commercial partnerships with gambling companies and will no longer provide on-site betting kiosks at the University of Bolton Stadium.
Posting an update to fans on Twitter, the League One club said it would no longer consider sponsorship deals with firms representing the gambling industry.
However, the club clarified it would respect the English Football League’s (EFL) commercial partnerships and those signed by other EFL clubs.
“We recognise that some people do want to bet and also that the league has a commercial partnership with a gambling company in place and we are respectful of this,” said Bolton Wanderers CEO Neil Hart.
“However, we will not take part in any activity to promote gambling outside the existing EFL contractual requirements.”
Bolton Wanderers will look to support charities and organisations that seek to provide help for those suffering from betting addiction as well as launching a Team Talk project with Bolton Council to help men discuss mental health.
“Problem gambling ruins lives and we’ve taken this stance to show our support for those who are suffering from a betting addiction,” said chairman Sharon Brittan.
The UK government is widely expected to introduce restrictions on gambling advertising in football and sport as part of its ongoing review of the Gambling Act 2005.